A Lion In A Pit On A Snowy Day...

At some point in my 20s I started watching a lot of movies. It probably has to do with the fact that I was newly married, cash poor, and was content to chill on the couch with my new bride and snuggle up to a $2 movie rental. Coincidentally, all of those things are still true (minus the newlywed part). If you’ve watched enough movies you’ve seen the classic “montage” scene. I don’t think the montage part of a movie is limited to any genre but it usually consists of:

The superhero learning their new abilities and skills while training for the ending battle.

The athlete/boxer/dancer putting in the tough hours in the gym to prepare for the big day.

The detectives/law-enforcement discovering clues to bring justice in the end.

These are just a few examples. The movie skips large chunks of time in which the character and story make major progressions. The montage skips all of the “ordinary” and “boring” stuff even though it is critical to the success of our hero. Who wants to watch the hero do routine training and exercise? Who wants to see the superhero using their new abilities over and over again so that they can perfect them in training? No, we want to skip that “average” stuff and get to the end where all of the success happens.

If we’re not careful we’ll see our lives this same way. Wanting to skip all of the “boring” and “ordinary” stuff so that we can skip to the end where we have more money / a bigger house / a nicer car / a child that can take care of themselves….etc. 

I was blessed by God to become a father 1.5 years ago. One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given by a friend was not to wish any “stage” of my child’s life away. I believe God had a role in that advice-giving session because I am prone to dwell so much on the future that I miss the present. As John Mayer says, “I am an architect of days that haven’t happened yet.” I realize this is a problem.

I desire the future so much I just want to “montage” away all of the boring and ordinary moments in my life. Sadly, we’v been trained to think that you can get a shortcut to any and all success. We forget that, like in the movies, without the montage efforts of our hero the success in the end would never happen.

The reality is that my child will never be this small ever again. This evening or moment with my wife will never be able to be lived again. This day at work where I get to work with someone to improve their life will never happen again. The reality is that my life is made up of 99% “boring,” “average,” and “ordinary” days. Except when you realize those days are special and unique you’ll realize they are anything but boring or ordinary.

“Cause life is not the mountain tops; It’s the walking in-between.” - Ben Rector, “I Like You”

Every breath and every moment is a gift from God. Don’t wish it all away so that you can skip to the end. Instead, live your life in the montage, giving everyday all you’ve got. If you do that you don’t have to worry about what happens in the end.

Adam Currence

We are all on a journey of faith. Some of us are just getting started. Some of us are near the end of a faithful life. Still others find ourselves at a crossroads, a crucial moment we’ll call “Jabbok” for now:

You’ve lost your job and you aren’t sure where the next paycheck will come from.

You’re saddled with debt and feel helpless to get out of it.

A loved one has passed and you aren’t sure how you’re going to “get over it.”

You’ve been done wrong your whole life and don’t know why God doesn’t seem to care.

The marriage you’ve always wanted seems like it’s never going to happen.

The children you’ve always wanted have now turned their back on you.

The list goes on and on. Our life will ultimately lead us to a crossroads (and probably more than once!). You can be sure that a “Jabbok” is in your future.

The ultimate question we have to answer at our “Jabbok” is this: Will I depend fully upon God or trust my own abilities? Stated another way, will I humbly accept who I am before God along with my human limitations and allow him control over my life?

There was nothing special about the banks of the stream called Jabbok where Jacob found himself one night (Genesis 32:22ff). Neither was there anything special about that night, save for the profound event that was soon to take place. It was at Jabbok that Jacob finally faced God, owned up to who he was, and was changed forever.

Jacob is one of the most fascinating and relatable characters in the book of Genesis, and perhaps the entire Bible. His ability to manipulate events and people are remarkable if not a little repulsive. Born a twin, he came from the womb grasping the heel of his brother Esau (Gen. 25:26). His name means “supplanter” or “deceiver” and there couldn’t be a more accurate way to describe his life. I’ll spare you the gritty details, but Jacob’s life contains a multitude of examples of him deceiving others including his brother, his father, and his father-in-law, as well as instances in which he was deceived and out-witted, most prominently by his father-in-law but also by his sons in his old age. If we were to create a Biblical Hero, we would create the exact opposite of Jacob.

Supplanter, deceiver, trickster…did I say this guy was relatable? Jacob was always trying to get by with his own wits and smarts (aren’t we all?). There came a crucial moment in his life, however, when he met someone “At Jabbok” that he couldn’t outrun, outdo, or outwit.

Because of the character of Jacob’s life, his story is full of fear, chaos, and uncertainty. As we descend upon chapter 32 of Genesis, Jacob finds himself on the run between two men he has wronged in his life: his brother Esau (around 20 years prior), and his father-in-law whom he has just (finally!) made peace with (Gen. 31).

On this night, after sending his family and possessions across the river, Jacob finds himself alone, wrestling with a man literally all night long. The man (it is safe to assume this was some angelic messenger of some kind) was not able to prevail against Jacob, so he touched Jacob and put his hip out of joint. Jacob, struggling and refusing to let go, demands that the angel bless him. The man/angel asks what Jacob’s name is, and then changes his name to Israel. Jacob walks away from this encounter humbled, limping, and changed forever. Jacob wrestled with God “At Jabbok.”

This has always been a puzzling passage, and we’ll attempt to make some sense of it here.

At Jabbok…we realize that life with God is better than life without God. When you think about Jacob’s life up to this point, it is seems unsettled, unhappy, unfulfilled…constantly trying to outwit people (which is exhausting!). Though there are glimpses of faith, it seems that he was still depending on his daddy and granddaddy’s faith then developing his own (which we’ll see more about below). What if Jacob had been “all in” with God from the get-go? His life would no doubt be remarkably different.

Why do we do the same thing? Why do we not commit fully to life with God? Chances are, our lives are filled with more stress, heartache, chaos, and fear when we try and live life without God. A “peace that passes understanding” is waiting on us.

At Jabbok…we admit who we really are. A friend recently pointed out to me a thought by Ravi Zacharias (not sure the exact book this is in) which brought a whole new light to this passage for me. Just gonna leave this here:

“In asking for the blessing from God, Jacob was compelled by God’s question to relive the last time he had asked for a blessing, the one he had stolen from his brother. The last time Jacob was asked for his name, the question had come from his earthly father. Jacob lied on that occasion and said, I am Esau and stole the blessing. Now he found himself, after many wasted years of running through life looking over his shoulder, before an all knowing all seeing heavenly father, once more seeking a blessing. Jacob fully understood the reason and the indictment behind God’s question and he answered, My Name is Jacob. “You have spoken the truth…and you know very well what your name signifies. You have been a duplicitous man, deceiving everyone everywhere you went. But now that you acknowledge the real you, I can change you, and I will make a great nation of you.” Greatness in the eyes of God is always preceded by humility before Him. There is no way for you or me or anyone else to attain greatness until we have come to Him.”

At Jabbok…we cling to God. Jacob wrestled until daybreak…aka all night long. Jacob was persistent, and his greatest efforts were not enough to overcome this angelic messenger after an entire night of wrestling (for the record, I believe this is more indicative of God purposefully letting Jacob struggle so he would see his own helplessness vs. Jacob being strong enough to fight an angel). At this point the angel dislocated his hip as if to say, “You’ve struggled with me all night and I could be done with you with a single touch.” At this Jacob has nothing left but to cling to God.

Unfortunately we often are the same way. It is not until the last possible moment, when the bank account is empty, when our emotions are completely overwhelmed, when our energy is completely depleted, that we finally reach out and cling to God. Why do we wrestle all night? Sometimes, like Jacob, we need to struggle before we realize how helpless we truly are. O to be one of the wise ones who recognizes his need for God early on!

At Jabbok…we stop trying to get by on our own. Jacob had outwitted everyone he came across. He had finally met someone he couldn’t trick or outsmart. When we are brought to our knees at our Jabbok, we realize that our own strength will never be enough to save us.

 At Jabbok…we commit to Yahweh being OUR God. In Genesis 32:9, Jacob referred to God as the “God of my father Abraham…God of my father Isaac…” It’s worth noting that Jacob only prayed after doing everything he knew to do (arranging gifts to go before him to appease Esau). Jacob had grown up hearing about God and seeing his faithful family lineage. Jacob had himself had encounters with God (such as the vision at Bethel), but his lifestyle was evidence that God was not really HIS God. Yahweh was his fathers’ God.

Contrast this with Jacob’s statements later in life (33:20, 35:3, 48:15) in which Jacob refers to God as “God of Israel,” God as his shepherd, and One that had been with him his whole life. What changed? Jabbok!

It never fails that times of crisis (either external or internal) can bring about a closeness with God that few other things can match. Though our mindset and attitude can certainly determine whether we draw close to God or further from him, certainly our Journey at Jabbok provides fertile ground for faith to deepen.

At Jabbok…we walk away changed forever. Jacob was never the same as evidenced by his change in attitude about Yahweh God (see the above point). It’s clear through his narrative that, although he was still a fallible man who struggled, he was no longer a man who struggled against God. Jacob also walked away with a physical limp, proving that this was no imaginary or dream-like encounter. It would be a reminder for the rest of his life of that night that he confronted himself, wrestled with God, and was changed forever.

Likewise, when we meet God we can’t walk away unaffected. Sometimes we meet God at our Jabbok like we’ve discussed. But we can also meet God in the ordinary day-to-day experiences; Sharing our faith, the kindness of a stranger or loved one, or simple conversations can be moments in which we get glimpses of God (so to speak). If we are receptive to those moments, they can begin to shape our character. Every person who gets a glimpse of God in scripture is profoundly affected. May we be the same!

At Jabbok…we are given a new name. Jacob was no longer called “deceiver” but was now called “one who prevails with God.” Jacob was no longer a wrestler against God but a wrestler WITH God. They were no longer adversaries but compadres in life’s journey.

When we give our lives over to God, my life is no longer characterized by my sin. I’m no longer a slave to sin, to use New Testament language. I’m not Adam the selfish, the prideful, the lustful, the outcast, the sinner; Instead I am now a child of God, a Christian, one who prevails with God.

At Jabbok…we realize the depth of God’s patience. Though we don’t know for certain how old Jacob was, some estimate that he was anywhere from 80-100 years old when this “wrestling match” happened. He died when he was 148, so around half of his life was spent on the run (from God and man). I imagine God was yearning for Jacob to finally turn his life over to Him, and yet God was abundantly patient.

Isn’t the same true for me? Though there will come a time when God’s patience with me runs out (at my death, for example), God always stands ready with open arms and he desperately wants us to acknowledge our dependence upon Him. I’d rather not wait 80 years to fully come to God, but that’s how long it took Jacob. O the depth of God’s love and patience for mankind!

At Jabbok…we prevail with God. Jacob’s name is now Israel, one who prevails with God. What a difference compared to Jacob, one who prevails by his own deceit. 1 John 5:4-5 puts it best, that faith is the victory that overcomes the world. 

Adam Currence

At some point in my married adult life, I became interested in woodworking. I started small with shelves, coffee tables, signs, and as my skills and tools have grown I have built a few larger things such as a dining table or a headboard. Here is a picture of my latest project, a farmhouse style dining table:

With each and every project I’ve ever built, there are always mistakes. No matter how much forethought, planning, or care that is put into each measurement, cut, or finish, something always gets messed up. A screw protrudes through where it shouldn’t; you forget to sand or stain certain parts of the project and don’t see it until you’re done; wood moves on you (a notorious problem) and you end up having to either do some serious sanding or even start from scratch. Thankfully, in woodworking, there are almost always ways to cover up your mistakes so that no one knows they exist.

But you always do. Every time you see the piece, the flaws that no one else seem to notice scream out at you. I call this creator’s curse.

I imagine this is how it is for anyone who creates anything: a work of art, a book, a business. The curse of being a creator is that there will always be flaws as imperfect people work with imperfect materials.

This struck me recently as I was reading through Genesis 1 & 2 while completing this project (not simultaneously, mind you). Over and over again we read that God’s creative work was “good:”

God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters He called seas;

and God saw that it was good (Genesis 1:10).

 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good (Genesis 1:12).

 and to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness;

and God saw that it was good (Genesis 1:18).

 God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind

and God saw that it was good (Genesis 1:21).

 God made the beasts of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind;

and God saw that it was good (Genesis 1:25).

 When God looked upon his completed creation at the conclusion of the sixth day, he saw that it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). His creation was complete and perfect. A perfect God creating perfect things in a perfect, pre-sin world.

 No flaws. No mistakes. Nothing to hide. Nothing to cover up. God could truly rest from his work because there was no possible way he could improve upon it. It wasn’t until the serpent seduced mankind (Genesis 3) with the allure of trying to become like God through disobeying him that God’s creation was no longer perfect and complete. As a matter of fact, the first instance of “covering up” or hiding was when Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves because of their nakedness & shame (3:7). God didn’t experience the Creator’s Curse because he created something perfect. But after the rebellion of Adam & Eve God was forced to “curse” the Serpent & the ground/earth and then to show Eve and Adam the consequences of their sin (3:14-19).

Being in the counseling field, this is a book that I had heard much about but never read until now. Having interacted with this book, I think it should be mandatory reading for every high school senior or college student. My parents never steered me any particular direction with regards to careers, which was a good thing, although it meant I didn’t have many experiences “trying on” different jobs and responsibilities. Schools don’t offer much help either, and its not always their fault because let’s be honest: helping students pick a career is complicated! It’s not as easy as matching skills and interests to a job; if it were that easy, everyone would be happy where they are! I remember taking a career test in middle school and my career match was as a dance choreography (!!!). Let’s just say that was never a serious career consideration.

Adam Currence

A Preacher once wanted to demonstrate to his congregation the need for total commitment to Christ, so he told the following parable: “A certain man wanted to sell his house for $2,000. Another man wanted very badly to buy it, but because he was poor, he couldn't afford the full price. After much bargaining, the owner agreed to sell the house for half the original price with just one stipulation: He would retain ownership of one small nail protruding from just over the door.

After several years, the original owner wanted the house back, but the new owner was unwilling to sell. So the first owner went out, found the carcass of a dead dog, and hung it from the single nail he still owned. Soon the house became unlivable, and the family was forced to sell the house to the owner of the nail. 

The preacher’s conclusion: "If we leave the Devil with even one small peg in our life, he will return to hang his rotting garbage on it, making it unfit for Christ's habitation."  

Satan is cunning and crafty. He is the father of lies. He’s been playing this game for a long time and he has many tricks up his sleeve. There’s no doubt that one of his oldest tricks is just keeping his foot in the door so to speak. Paul warns us to not “give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27). Other translations say not to give him an opportunity, or a foothold. We can see from scripture what happens when Satan’s influence is allowed to linger in one’s life. Adam & Eve ate the forbidden fruit rather than fleeing from Satan. Judas allowed Satan to influence his life to the point that he betrayed Jesus. These are just a few examples.

Adam Currence

Satan goes by many names. The term “Satan” means adversary. Satan is certainly an adversary of God and his people. He is also referred to as “the Devil” which means “slanderer” or “accuser.” He is also referred to as “The Tempter” (1 Thess. 3:5), “Beelzebub” (Matt. 12:24), “the wicked one” (Matt. 13:19), “The ruler of this world” (John 12:31), and a few others. Each of the names he is called reveals a little more about his nature and work. Although we have victory over Satan through the blood of Jesus, and even though we know that Satan’s power is limited by God, we need to be aware of the tools that Satan uses in tempting us.

1. Deception – Satan wants to deceive you just like he did Eve in the garden. He wants to trick you into thinking evil is good and that good is evil. I don’t like to be tricked or deceived. Instead, I want to be told the truth by those around me. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) and He has deceived the whole world (Rev. 12:9).

2. Doubt – Satan wants you to doubt what God says. Genesis 3:1 says, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” He wants you to doubt that God knows what’s best for you. He wants you to doubt God’s promises and commands. If you go down the path of doubting, you’re right where Satan wants you to be.

3. Discouragement – The Psalmist in Psalm 43:2 writes that he is discouraged because those around him continually ask, “Where is your God?” at the end of the Psalm in verse 11 the writer reveals that his soul is cast down. After being deceived and then doubting, naturally discouragement follows. Satan wants you to look inward at your own problems, not upward towards God who has the solutions to our problems.

4. Diversion – Satan delights when we fill our lives with “good” things that don’t help you get to Heaven. There is nothing wrong with hobbies, fun activities, sports, etc. We need those things for fun, for emotional outlets, and for our health. Unfortunately we are often guilty of taking something that God has provided for us and use it to replace God himself.

5. Delay – We’ve all heard the sermon before that we really needed to hear, but rather than making a change in our life we instead made excuses for why we would do it later. Maybe some put off becoming a Christian until “later.” Perhaps you are waiting until “later” to become more faithful. “I’ll be more dedicated to God when________.” “I’ll give more of my time and money to the church after __________.” Why do we delay with the most important part of our life?

Examine this list and ask yourself which tool Satan is using on you and your family. Remember that even though Satan is experienced and cunning, his tricks and power are limited, and he is fighting a losing battle.

Several weeks ago I preached a lesson on different portraits of Jesus in the book of Hebrews. We talked about how he was a “destroyer & liberator” (2:14-15), a “merciful & faithful high priest” (2:17, 4:14), and the author & perfecter/finisher of our faith (12:2). Today I’d like to share a few more portraits of Jesus I found when reading through Hebrews.

Jesus as a Better Leader than Moses (Chapter 3) --- Moses was one of the “heroes” of the Jewish faith. He led Israel out of Egyptian captivity and through the wilderness. However, under Moses’ leadership many hardened their hearts and were not able to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief. The Hebrews writer shocked his audience by discussing Jesus as a BETTER leader than Moses. And just like their punishment was severe for hardening their hearts, how much more will ours be if we refuse to follow Jesus?

Jesus as a Faithful Son over God’s house (3:6) --- A father going on a journey might leave his son in charge to run things. Moses was a faithful SERVANT over “God’s house,” but Jesus is a faithful SON over God’s house, and we are the house (v.6). Jesus has been left in charge and we are under his rule in God’s house.

Jesus as the Sacrifice Outside the Camp (13:13ff) --- Under the old sacrificial system, the bodies of the animals were burned outside the camp (13:11). Jesus “suffered outside the gate” on our behalf so that he could sanctify those who believe. Jesus perhaps filled this literally by being crucified outside of Jerusalem on the hill of Calvary. The Hebrews writer urges his audience to “join him outside the camp, bearing his reproach (NASB).” That idea would have been despicable to Jews as those animals were considered unclean, yet the writer was calling his audience to leave behind their Judaism once for all and cling to Christ.

Jesus as the Great Shepherd (13:20) --- God is often referred to as a Shepherd in the Old Testament (Ex: Psalm 23). The writer applies this title to Jesus himself, the Shepherd of the Sheep. Jesus is our shepherd, we are his sheep. He leads us where we need to go and meets all of our needs. What a comforting thought!

There are many other portraits described that we could talk about (the list is not exhaustive): God’s Spokesman (1:1), heir of all things (1:2), creator (1:2), radiance of God’s glory (1:3), exact representation of God (1:3), sustainer (1:3), sitting at God’s right hand (1:3, 8:1, 12:2), superior to angels (1:4), firstborn of God (1:6), brother of believers (2:11), apostle & high priest (3:1), submissive and perfect son.

Adam Currence

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you’d do anything to get it? We’ve all been in that situation before. Perhaps it was a big-ticket item that you wanted to save up for, like a car or a house. When I was a kid we grew up on a dusty, dirty dirt road. A single trip down the road would dirty up our cars, and it was especially bad after a heavy rain. In order to keep our van in decent shape (and probably to also teach me some responsibility), my mom would pay me a few dollars to wash it. So wash I did, and I saved and saved until I could purchase what I desired. What a great feeling!

As we drop in to Job chapter 28, we find ourselves right in the middle of an intense response by Job to his friends. Yet chapter 28 is unique, as it reads much like a wisdom proverb or Psalm. It tells about how man will go to great lengths to find precious stones and jewels:

Man “puts an end to darkness and searches every recess” (v.28) for precious stones and gems. Deep inside the earth are stones that are the “source of sapphires, and it contains gold dust” (v.6). The paths man makes into the earth are so deep that no bird “knows its path, nor has the falcon’s eye seen it” (v.7).

As valuable as those jewels are, no amount of precious stones or jewels can match its value (v.12-19). The gold of Ophir (v.16), which Solomon’s ships took 3 years to retrieve (1 Kings 9:28, 10:22) was not valuable enough to buy wisdom. This wisdom is hidden from the eye of the living (v.21). Only God truly understands its way and knows its place (v.23). God, who created the world in which men now search for these precious stones, is the only place where wisdom is found. “He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searches it out” (v.27). The chapter ends with a statement echoed throughout the Bible: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding” (v.28).

Adam Currence

In Romans 1:23, Paul writes that there will be those who exchange “the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures” (NASB). They made this “exchange” even though they knew God through what he had made (1:20). They served the creature rather the creator and exchanged the truth of God for a lie (v.25). The end result was that these people were worthy of death (v.32).

It doesn’t take statues or golden idols to qualify as false religion however. In mainstream Christianity, where WE do things the way WE want so that WE can enjoy the service and WE can be happy, what we are really doing is worshipping ourselves, not God almighty. On the other hand, Pharisees worshipped and idolized their man-made laws and traditions rather than God’s law, and Jesus called them out on many occasions, most notably in Matthew chapter 23.

What is the difference between man-made religion and the gospel? Perhaps putting it this way below will help:

RELIGION vs. THE GOSPEL

If I obey,  I’m accepted. // I’m  accepted so I obey.

If I’m  good, God will love me. /// God loves  all people, and he gave up his son to show it.

All people  are good and bad. /// All people  are made good through Jesus.

The focus  is on what I do or don’t do. /// The focus  is on what Jesus did.

It  produces pride and despair. /// It  produces humility and confidence.

I am  motivated by fear. /// I am  motivated by love.

Note From Adam: Unfortunately the songs we sing can be one of the most polarizing subjects to discuss. We sing too many old songs. We sing too many new songs. We should do more song services. We do too many song services. I like this song leader. I like that song leader. I (Adam) have wanted to write about our singing for quite some time, and I came across an article by brother Neal Pollard that captures many of my thoughts.

Disclaimer: I clearly recognize my own fallibility and potential short-sightedness on this and all matters.  Please be assured that the following is written with deepest love for the Savior, the saved, and the lost sinner. Prudence, wisdom, and Christ-like love should characterize all such discussions as these, and that is my intention. 

•    There is wisdom in an evangelistic congregation looking for more psalms, hymns and spiritual songs written in the late 1900s and the 2000s.

•    Our congregations need to be seeking talented people to write words and music for new songs that connect in melody and wording with those living today.

•    The songs in our songbooks (other than those directly quoting Scripture) are neither inspired nor infallible. To note any archaic or befuddling words, lyrics, or tunes is not inherently sacrilegious.

•    Proper respect should be maintained for members, old or young, who love and are edified by our older songs.

•    Proper respect should be maintained for members, old or young, who love and are edified by our newer songs.

•    “Newer songs” do not automatically equal spiritually inferior or unscriptural songs. “Older songs” do not automatically equal spiritually superior or scriptural songs. Of course, the opposite is true of both types of songs.

•    It is neither wrong to sing every verse or omit one or more verses of a song. A few songs make less sense, however, if verses are omitted.

•    Greater attention should be paid to the “horizontal aspect” of our singing; As our singing is to “teach and admonish one another” (Col. 3:16), we must be sure that we pay attention to this dimension of congregational singing.

•    As always, our task is not to judge the worshipfulness of anyone else but to be sure we are constantly striving to worship in song in spirit and truth, with understanding (John 4:24; 1 Cor. 14:15).

•    It’s just as wrong to refuse to sing as it is to add to the command to sing.

•    While we never want to be fake or contrived in our emotions and expressions, we should give thought to what we convey as we sing in worship—enthusiasm or boredom, joy or consternation, interest or apathy, etc.

•    Suggestions for improving our singing in worship does not equate to a  “liberal agenda.”

•    Projecting songs is not a panacea for most of these issues. However we read our songs, we must strive to focus on praising God and teaching each other.

Adam Currence

Today I’d like to contrast what the world thinks a woman should be vs. what God wants a woman to be. I ran across this list several years ago and would like to reproduce it for you here today (author unknown).

1.     A super woman “does.” God’s woman simply “is” (Psalm 46:10)

2.     A super woman tries to impress others. God’s woman pleases the Lord (Eph. 5:10, Prov. 29:25)

3.     A super woman is controlled by an agenda. God’s woman is controlled by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-26)

4.     A super woman finds self-worth in her accomplishments. God’s woman finds self-worth in view of who she is in Christ (Eph. 2:10).

5.     A super woman finds peace in the “perfect” environment. God’s woman finds peace in Jesus in the midst of any storm (Isa. 26:3).

6.     A super woman is discouraged by failure. God’s woman remembers that God’s strength is shown in her weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

7.     A super woman expects perfection from herself and others. God’s woman practices grace with herself and others (Eph. 4:32).

8.     A super woman teaches her kids to be good. God’s woman teaches her kids to be Godly (Prov. 22:6).

9.     A super woman is frustrated with her lack of spiritual fruit. God’s woman abides and Christ and bears much fruit (John 15:5).

10.  A super woman does things with her children. God’s woman builds a relationship with her children (Deut. 6:6-7).

11.  A super woman’s perspective is based on what is seen. God’s woman has a perspective based on that which is unseen (Col. 3:2).

12.  God’s woman chooses a quantity of activities. God’s woman chooses the most excellent way (1 Cor. 13).

Adam Currence

The person of Jesus cannot be ignored. Once you’ve learned about who He is and what He’s done, some kind of response is necessary. You can’t unelearn it. You can’t unhear it. Jesus faces me and shines his light upon the darkest parts of who I am, upon the needs I have that only he can meet. Some find this terrifying….who is this man? Why should He hold this kind of sway over my life? Others find this a source of comfort, and I believe that’s what Jesus wants.

We come face to face with Jesus within the pages of scripture. Pontius Pilate was a man who came literally face to face with Jesus at a most pivotal point in history. Pilate’s actions would determine the course of history; that of the world and even his own. John’s gospel account gives a lengthier description of the interactions between Pilate and Jesus. Pilate, confronted with the claims of Jesus and His innocence (declared by Pilate in 18:38; 19:4, 6), had to wrestle with what to do with Jesus.

First, he tried to shun responsibility (18:31). The Jews knew the only way they would be able to get Jesus crucified was if Pilate ordered it to be done. Pilate tried to put off the responsibility of judgment upon the Jews themselves. “Judge him according to your own law” he said.

Second, he tried to find a way of escape (18:39). Thinking on his feet, Pilate knew that its possible that he could release Jesus based on a Passover custom where one prisoner was released. Surely the people would choose one of their own rather than an insurrectionist and a murderer named Barabbas. Perhaps Pilate thought that if they chose to release Jesus he wouldn’t have to make this tough decision; they’d make it for him!

Third, he tried to compromise (19:1-5). Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged and whipped. The text seems to imply that perhaps Pilate himself participated, although I don’t know for sure. What I do know is that Pilate thought this might be enough. Maybe after the beating, the crown of thorns, the purple rope, and the mocking, the murderous lust of the Jews might be satisfied. It wasn’t, for they yelled nothing but “Crucify!”

Fourth, he tried to appeal directly to the sympathy of Jesus’ accusers (19:15). “Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked. Perhaps he thought that this last effort might be enough for the people to reconsider. Ironically, the Jews then claimed allegiance to Caesar so that they would be able to have their own Messiah killed (18:15). There was no sympathy left. Their hearts were filled with murderous contempt for Jesus. Having exhausted what seemed like all of his options, what did Pilate do? “He handed Him over to them to be crucified” (18:16).

I certainly don’t want to trivialize how tricky of a situation Pilate was in. He was caught between political and religious tensions. Add in the fact that he was face to face with the son of God, and he was in a lose-lose situation. Who knows how we would respond if we were in his shoes.

However, we come face to face with the person of Jesus. We are confronted with His claims, His truth. What will we do? Will we make excuses for why He is not our Lord? Will we make excuses for why we don’t serve Him? Will we say that it is others’ responsibility, but we have more important things to do? Will we look for opportunities to do anything BUT serve Jesus? How will you respond when face to face with Jesus? “Jesus is Lord of all, or he isn’t Lord at all.”

Adam Currence

Every school has one. The big and dusty trophy case filled with relics and records of the achievements of past generations of students and athletes. Sometimes this display is featured in a prominent place just as you walk in a school; other times it is tucked away in a random hallway, barely noticed by students that pass by.

I’ve often wondered: do people look at those trophies? Does anyone notice the names stamped on the plates? I don’t want to diminish the achievements of the individuals who have won trophies. Certainly it feels amazing to win a tournament or a championship. One should be proud of that achievement. But what about 10 years from now? 20 years? 50 years? Will anyone remember?

Let’s carry this thought further. Who was the Heisman Trophy winner in college football in 1976? 1986? 1996? Who won the Super Bowl in 1981? What was the name of the starting quarterback (maybe someone reading will know)? Who coached your favorite team in 1989? What was the #1 movie in the summer of 1998? What was the #1 song or artist in the year 2005?

Time will eventually diminish and fade even the greatest of triumphs. How are you investing your time: collecting trophies on this earth or storing up your reward in Heaven? Listen to the last words of advice a Godly king gave his son in 1 Chronicles 28:9:

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.”

Know God. Serve Him with a loyal heart and willing mind. Seek Him. Do not forsake Him. Imagine all the advice David could have given: military strategies, tips on leading a kingdom, how to deal with political conflict….but instead his advice centered around seeking God.

As we know, Solomon became one of the richest men ever to live. In the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon details his search for happiness on this earth without God. One passage you can read is in 2:4-11 and verses 17-19. Do you know what Solomon’s conclusion was about trying to find happiness without God? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!

We might could say, “It’s all just a dusty trophy case.”

Adam Currence

If you’ve talked with me the past few weeks, you’ve probably heard me talk about Honduras a few times. Perhaps you’re tired of hearing about it, but I want to share something that I believe we can learn from the culture there.

 In the U.S., “going doorknocking” as a church can be a frustrating endeavor. It calls to mind rejection and doors shut in your faces. In addition to the fact that we live in a godless society, I believe that we suffer from a culture of busy-ness (more on that in just a second). In contrast, in a place like Honduras (which is probably a culture much closer to the setting of Jesus’ time), if you knock on the door and ask for a Bible study you better be ready to study the Bible and stick around for 45 minutes to an hour.

 I’m reminded of a story Luke tells us in Luke 10:38-42 about Mary and Martha. There are a lot of Marthas reading this article right now. Life is an endless to-do list: pay the bills, get the groceries, fill up the cars with gas, get the kids to school and practice, clean the house, walk the dog, pay for that thing, pay for that other thing…you get the idea. We are also entering that time of year (spring/summer) where many are busier than they ever are.

 In this well-known story from Luke’s gospel, Martha is doing a lot of good things. Hospitality was HIGHLY prized in that culture. If I go to your home today you might offer to take my jacket for me, and that would be nice. But if you don’t, it’s not a big deal (I promise). In Jesus’ time, to fail to offer hospitality to your guests was a serious social faux pas. So Martha’s doing very well, we think. As a matter of fact, Jesus rarely traveled alone, and this visit could have been unexpected. Therefore, we can empathize even more with Martha’s busy preparations: making beds, sweeping the floor, getting food ready, etc.

 Up until verse 41, I am totally on Martha’s side. I think things like, “what a lazy sister.” Or better, “If Mary was my sister I would have some words with her.” I might even plead with Jesus for his help with “motivating” my sister, which is exactly what Martha does (talk about passive-aggressive). Then we see Jesus’s gentle rebuke, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things….”

 Doubtless, both had a love for Jesus. But while Martha was concerned with bread, Mary was concerned with the Bread of Life. Martha had chosen to focus on the temporary things of the world, Mary focused on something that would never be taken away from her. Martha was busy with the preparation of her home, Mary was busy with the preparation of her heart. Martha was focused on many things, Mary was focused on one thing. Martha had chosen a good thing, but Mary had chosen the best thing.

Adam Currence

If you had to describe what made Christians different from non-Christians in one sentence, what would you say? What is it that supposedly makes Christians “God’s people” or “Holy (set apart)” or unique? Is there any difference at all? People may answer that question in various ways. While not attempting to speak on behalf of others, you might hear these responses:

“Christians go to Church every week or as often as they can.”

“Christians give of their means to the work of the Church.”

“Christians try to live a good, moral life.”

“Christians try to follow the Bible.”

“Christians try to avoid things like drinking, smoking, or gambling.”

“Christians try to do good to others and for the world.”

 These are just a few simple responses; I know we could come up with many more standard Christian-like responses to the question. What do you think Paul would say?

 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others (Ephesians 2:1-3, NKJV).

 For Paul, the difference between those who are in Christ and outside of Christ is the same as the difference between being alive and dead! The imagery Paul uses is straight out of a zombie film. Christians are the ones who should be alive and thriving in the midst of a world that is full of corpses. Yet too often we’re content to just blend in. Too often we are content to just be “a little better” than the world, as if small moral distinctions would be enough.

 This calls to my mind Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. In his vision he saw a valley of dead, dry bones. He watched as they came alive, flesh and sinews and skin coming together. What a scene! God breathing life into dead bones, symbolizing what he could and would do for His people. THAT is the difference between Christians and the world: a resurrected being versus a pile of dead bones.

Adam Currence

The purpose of today’s article is simply to look at a portion of scripture from a different perspective. It has been said of the Bible that no one will ever fully know the treasures that are hidden in God’s word. One can study diligently for an entire lifetime and only scratch the surface of spiritual golden nuggets hidden within. One of my favorite things to study are parallels between different stories and/or people. For example, many have studied parallels between Jesus and Moses/Noah/Joshua, just to name a few.

It is generally accepted that Luke and Acts are basically “Part 1 and Part 2.” Both were composed by Luke and written to the same person, Theophilus, and the Gospel of Luke seamlessly flows into the book of Acts. There are many parallels between the books as a whole, but today I’d like to focus in on the parallels between the ministries and missions of Jesus and Paul.

·      Both Jesus and Paul’s ministries were marked by the power of the Spirit (Luke 3:21-22; Acts 13:1-3).

·      Both Jesus and Paul were rejected by their countrymen (Luke 4:23-30; Acts 13:45-52).

·      Both Jesus and Paul journeyed to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-19:28; Acts 19:21-21:17).

·      Both Jesus and Paul journeyed to Jerusalem under divine necessity (Luke 13:33; Acts 20:22, 21:14).

·      Both Jesus and Paul had disciples and friends who did not understand their journey and/or mission (Luke 14:45, 18:34; Acts 21:4, 21:12-13).

·      Both Jesus and Paul were opposed by hostile Jews who plotted against their lives (Luke 22:1-2; Acts 14:19).

·      Both Jesus and Paul were committed to laying down their life and abandoning themselves to the will of God.

·      In Luke, there are 7 references to Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (Luke 19:51, Luke 13:22, Luke 13:33, Luke 17:11, Luke 18:31, Luke 19:11, Luke 19:28).

·      In Acts, there are 7 references to Paul’s journey to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21, Acts 20:22, Acts 21:4, Acts 21:11-12, Acts 21:13, Acts 21:15, Acts 21:17).

·      Both Jesus and Paul were initially welcomed in Jerusalem (Luke 19:3, Acts 21:17-20).

·      Both Jesus and Paul visitied the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 19:45-48; Acts 21:26).

·      Both Jesus and Paul were opposed by Sadduccees and acknowledged by scribes (Luke 20:27-39; Acts 23:6-9).

·      Both Jesus and Paul participated in breaking bread with fellow believers (Luke 22:19; Acts 27:35).

·      Both Jesus and Paul were seized by the crowds (Luke 22:54; Acts 21:30).

·      Both Jesus and Paul were slapped by the assistant of the high priest (Luke 22:63-64; Acts 23:2).

·      Both Jesus and Paul had four trials.

·      Both Jesus and Paul were declared innocent three times by Gentile authority.

·      Both Jesus and Paul went before Herod (Luke 23:6-12; Acts 25:13-26:32).

·      Both Jesus and Paul were almost released by rulers (Luke 23:16, Acts 26:32).

Adam Currence

Think for a moment of all of the awards, accolades, and accomplishments you could ever receive in your lifetime. Academically, how great is it to hear your name called for a high GPA, perfect attendance, or because you were valedictorian. Maybe you won first place with a science project or research paper. In the world of sports, how great would it feel to win a championship game (at any level)? How great would it feel to win the Heisman (a prestigious college football award), or even win a super bowl? Doing any of those things would cement your name in history and put you among an elite group of athletes. At work, imagine being rewarded for your hard work with extra vacation time or a lucrative bonus. Maybe just winning “employee of the year” would be enough for you.

All of those awards would be amazing to receive. Yet I propose to you that they couldn’t hold a candle to the award Jesus is giving out.

In the parable of the talents, Jesus (the “master” in the parable) rewarded the faithful servants who doubled their master’s money with the following words:

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (Matt. 25:21; 23, NKJV).

To slave who hid the money/talent in the ground so as not to lose any of it, Jesus said the following:

 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matt. 25:26-30, NKVJ)

What could possibly be greater to hear than “well done good and faithful servant….enter into the joy of your master”? What could possibly be a greater award or reward than eternity with our master because of our faithfulness with what God has given us? It will trump any reward or award or accolade that we could ever receive on this earth.